27/08/2026
If the Catholic Church can take action to have an impostor priest arrested for falsely presenting himself as a priest, why should people in my own church feel that becoming a pastor is simply a calling that requires no formal education or training?
A genuine calling to pastoral ministry is important, but a calling should not be used as an excuse to disregard theological education, ministerial training, accountability, and proper preparation. Just as other professions require both calling and competence, pastoral ministry requires spiritual commitment as well as knowledge, character, and preparation.
A calling may open the door, but proper training prepares a person to serve responsibly.